Our hearts go out to Israel

The Movement for Reform Judaism was devastated to learn of the loss of life that occurred last night in Meron, Israel, where a crowd crush at Lag BaOmer festivities killed dozens of people.

Our sympathies go out to the families of all those who have died, and everyone in Israel who will be affected by one of the worst disasters in the country’s history.

Rabbi Celia Surget, chair of the Assembly of Reform Rabbis and Cantors, commented “I wish refuah shlemah, a complete physical and emotional healing, to all those affected by these events and send condolences on behalf of the Reform Movement to all the families who have lost loved ones.”

Reform communities will be reading kaddish, the memorial prayer, in memory of the victims in services this weekend. All are welcome to join our online services; a list can be found here.